As impressive as entrants in the 2018 Shed of the Year competition were, the top prize went to an eco-friendly bee haven handmade by a firefighter.

George Smallwood from Sheffield built a very impressive self-watering, self-sufficient home for vegetables, herbs, and insects.

The firefighter has two beehives, a vegetable patch, a ‘bug house’ in his back garden and even a wildflower garden on the roof.

George, 33, is now the proud owner of £1,000, a giant crown, a winner’s plaque, and £100 worth of garden woodwork. He said it all came as a welcome surprise.

(Picture: George Smallwood/PA)

‘We hope our shed will inspire others around the UK to create spaces for wildlife in their gardens,’ he said.

‘We’re so proud that our shed has become a habitat for nature in a small urban garden, showing you can always do your bit for making a home for nature.

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The judges who had a tough choice, considering the 3,000 entries and 16,000 public votes that came through.

Some of George’s competitors included a taxi shed (yes, a real black cab) perfectly stuffed with a bed, an inn, a boat pod, a water shed (clever), homemade pubs, and contraptions that look like they’re out of a film.

(Picture: George Smallwood/PA)

Competition founder Andrew Wilcox said: ‘The competition was extremely tough this year, from a musical shed on the water, to a taxi, to an authentic Irish pub.

‘George’s shed stood out due to its impressive, handmade structure but also because of its unique story and special purpose.’